Now in its 60th year, the King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business award and is widely recognised as a mark of excellence, with recipients selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process.
Laltex Group, a UK importer and distributor of promotional and retail merchandise based in Leigh, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in the category of Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. This recognises businesses demonstrating an outstanding commitment to creating opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those facing barriers to employment.
Established in 1962, Laltex Group employs 231 staff and supplies customers across the UK and Ireland. The company has built a strong reputation as a long-term employer in the Leigh area and a committed partner within the local community.
The award recognises Laltex Group’s partnership with Seashell Trust, which began in 2005 and has developed into a structured employment initiative supporting individuals with severe learning difficulties and complex needs into meaningful roles within the company’s vital production operations.
Since launching the programme in 2017, roles have been carefully tailored to individual strengths and supported through adaptive technologies, mentoring and disability awareness training leading to permanent paid employment within the business.
Quote from parent (Carol Townsend):
“We are so grateful and extremely appreciative of everything that Laltex have done for Robert to enable his continued employment, and for the care and kindness that he is always shown by everyone. His life would be completely different with no focus or structure without his time at Laltex and his circle of friends would be extremely limited. Laltex are a loyal and supportive family business, and we truly feel that Robert is a valued part of the ‘one family’ at Laltex.”
Nationally, only 4.8% of college leavers with complex needs move into supported employment, however Seashell Trust has achieved a significantly higher rate of 24% in 2024, with Laltex Group’s partnership contributing to this success.
Seashell CEO Brandon Leigh said: “The impact of a meaningful work placement is life changing. Students are really happy in their work and it’s important to them. A placement that works well supports their happiness, wellbeing, communication and it improves many skills such as socialising.
The dedication that Laltex commits to Seashell and our students is truly inspirational, so it is wonderful to see it has also been nationally recognised with a Kings Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. It is a much-deserved accolade! Our congratulations to the whole team.”
The company has also invested over £100,000 in facility improvements to ensure roles are accessible and appropriately supported for participants.
Our CEO, Sanjay Mulchand, said:“We are truly honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and compassion shown by our entire team every day. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Laltex Group, as well as our valued partners, for their dedication to creating meaningful opportunities and supporting individuals to thrive. Receiving this award reinforces our belief that everyone should be given the same access to learning and employment opportunities, and reinforces our belief that every business can play a vital role in driving positive social change.”
Laltex Group has celebrated the achievements of its employees and programme participants, many of whom have developed new skills, grown in confidence and progressed within the workplace as part of the supported employment initiative.
Gill Lalley, Executive Assistant said: “Being part of the supported employment initiative has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating job opportunities, it’s about building confidence, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging. Seeing individuals grow, develop new skills, and thrive in the workplace reinforces why this initiative matters so much. At Laltex Group, we’re proud to play a role in breaking down barriers and demonstrating the positive impact inclusive employment can have on both people and businesses.”
Laltex Group hopes this recognition will not only celebrate its own journey but also encourage more businesses to create inclusive opportunities for those who may otherwise be overlooked.
Recipients of the award are invited to a Royal reception and are entitled to use the official King’s Awards emblem for five years.
Published on: May 7th, 2026
